Key points
- The Moldova Invitation Letter is a formal document verifying the purpose of your trip, often needed for business, work, study, or family visits.
- Citizens of more than 60 countries must obtain one before applying for a Moldovan visa; some travelers with valid EU, Schengen, UK, US, or Canadian visas or residence permits are exempt.
- A Moldovan sponsor applies on your behalf to the General Inspectorate for Migration (GIM), attaching supporting documents and paying a processing fee.
- Approval usually takes around 10 working days, and you must apply for your visa within 90 days of the invitation being approved.
Planning a trip to Moldova sometimes means lining up an invitation letter before you can apply for a visa. Here is what the document is, who needs it, and how it gets issued. Treat the details below as general guidance rather than legal advice, and confirm the current rules with an official Moldovan government source before you travel.
What is a Moldova Invitation Letter?
The Moldova Invitation Letter is a formal document used to verify the reason for your travel to Moldova. It is required for visitors who need visas, particularly those arriving for business, work, study, or family purposes. A person or company based in Moldova must issue this letter, setting out the purpose and duration of your visit.
Not all travelers require this document. Citizens from over 60 countries, including Afghanistan, South Africa, Belize, Jamaica, India, Vietnam, the UAE, and Haiti, must obtain one before applying for a Moldovan visa. For the complete list, consult the Moldova Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
There are exceptions. Citizens from Bahrain, China, Kenya, and the Philippines who would normally need an invitation letter may be able to skip this step if they hold a valid EU, Schengen, UK, US, or Canadian visa or residence permit.
How to Get a Moldova Invitation Letter
The Moldova Invitation Letter is issued by the General Inspectorate for Migration (GIM) of the Republic of Moldova. Moldovan citizens, individuals with permanent or temporary residency, or registered legal entities can apply to the GIM on behalf of foreign visitors.
Typical requirements include:
- Full name, passport number, and personal information
- Purpose-specific documentation (relationship proof for family visits, business registration for commercial purposes, educational institution letters for academic stays)
- Sponsor details and relationship information
- Arrival and departure dates plus accommodation information
- Bank statements or financial documents
- Sponsor’s legal status documentation (if applicable)
- A completed, signed application form
The application process generally runs as follows:
- The sponsor completes and submits the application form via the GIM website or office, attaching the supporting documents.
- A government processing fee is paid to the Moldovan authorities, and the amount varies by urgency and application type.
- Moldovan authorities review the submission. Approval typically takes 10 working days but can be expedited.
- The sponsor receives the approved letter and forwards it to you.
Once you have the letter, you need to apply for a Moldovan visa within 90 days from the date the invitation was approved.
Get Support for Your Moldova eVisa Application
iVisa is a private travel-document service and can help with visa-related questions. You can reach the team over WhatsApp or through the iVisa chat.
